Actions

Sunday alcohol sales passes Senate and House, will go into law as soon as Governor signs it

Posted: 3:05 PM, Feb 22, 2018

Updated:2018-02-22 20:26:40-05

By:
TheIndyChannel.com Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- IT'S REALLY HAPPENING.

Indiana's Senate voted on Thursday to pass the bill allowing Sunday alcohol sales in the state, with a vote of 38-10.

The Indiana House previously approved the amended bill that would allow alcohol to be sold on Sundays. The bill is the same one that has already been voted on this session except it was amended to take effect immediately after its passage instead of July 1.

Because of that change, the bill had to go back to the Senate for a concurrence, which is a vote to agree to the change.

Once signed by Gov. Holcomb, carry-out sales of alcohol will be allowed in the state of Indiana from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Governor Holcomb will likely sign the bill into law within the next week.

A spokesperson for the governor says his statement from last month remains true: "If it's the first bill on my desk, it will be the first bill I sign."

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers Chairman Jon Sinder congratulated the Senate for the vote and released a statement which reads, in part:

"Indiana’s small business package liquor stores have been preparing for this outcome for months by updating work schedules and if needed hiring, training and licensing new employees that reach the highest standards of safety as required by Indiana law. Indiana’s neighborhood package liquor stores have been responsible merchants of alcohol products since 1933 and we will be ready to open our doors on Sundays for the first time. We are eager to welcome our loyal customers."